Swiss Drama ‘Enjoy Your Stay’ Premieres in Indonesia, Highlighting Migrant Worker Exploitation
The Swiss film ‘Enjoy Your Stay’ debuts in Jakarta, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by undocumented Filipino cleaners in luxury resorts.
A Swiss drama titled “Enjoy Your Stay” has landed in Indonesia for its first local screening. The film, co‑directed by Dominik Locher and Honeylyn Joy Alipio, follows Luz, an undocumented Filipina cleaner at a luxury ski resort. Its Jakarta World Cinema debut is backed by distributor Falcon and aims to give voice to migrant workers whose stories are rarely seen. By dramatizing the “dirty side of the Swiss postcard,” the filmmakers hope to spark conversation about labor trafficking across borders.
What happened
The Berlin‑premiered drama “Enjoy Your Stay” was acquired by Indonesian distributor Falcon and screened as the opening feature of the Jakarta World Cinema festival. The story tracks Luz, played by Mercedes Cabral, who risks losing custody of her children by taking on extra work and eventually becoming a labor trafficker herself after being lured by false promises from a Swiss gangmaster.
Co‑directors Locher and Alipio, who first met at the Busan International Film Festival, spent months researching on‑site at Swiss luxury resorts, interviewing undocumented workers from the Philippines, Serbia, Sri Lanka and other nations. Their “found story” approach blends real testimonies with fictional narrative, and the film is produced by Close Up Films with JBA Production co‑producing and Be For Films handling sales.
Why it matters
The premiere brings a European‑made exposé of Swiss labor exploitation to an audience that shares similar migration challenges, especially Indonesian workers employed abroad. By spotlighting the legal and emotional toll on undocumented cleaners, the film encourages policymakers, NGOs and viewers to scrutinize the global supply chain that fuels luxury tourism. It also positions Indonesian cinema as a platform for transnational advocacy, potentially influencing future co‑productions that address migrant rights.
- Raises awareness of hidden labor abuses in a high‑profile industry.
- Authentic storytelling grounded in on‑the‑ground research.
- Cross‑cultural collaboration bridges European and Southeast Asian perspectives.
- Limited theatrical run may restrict audience reach.
- Drama format could oversimplify complex trafficking networks.
- Potential backlash from stakeholders who feel the film portrays Switzerland negatively.
How to think about it
Approach the film as a narrative entry point rather than a documentary record. Note the emotional arcs while also seeking out factual reports on Swiss labor practices to contextualize the story. Use the viewing experience as a catalyst for supporting migrant‑worker advocacy groups, and consider how similar power imbalances appear in your own community or industry.
FAQ
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